On Monday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that there was an “uneasy tension” between Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic.
However, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says there are no issues between the players, and dismissed the report the morning after Miami defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 4.
Spoelstra told the Palm Beach Post:
“It's silly, but we're used to it. Before the playoffs even started three-and-a-half weeks ago, that's what we said. It brings out everything. It's a lot of noise and usually when you lose, there'll be a lot of surprising story lines and narratives out there. You just have to be able to laugh at it. … It's never after a win, it's just after a loss and usually has nothing to do with what actually happened in the game.”
The report of conflict came after Miami lost Game 3 and originated because Wade and Dragic have similar playing styles. As Coach Spo mentioned, both players like to have the ball, but that benefits each of them.
This can also be looked at from another angle. Wade has been successful with another ball dominant player in LeBron James, so he knows what it takes to win with another player who wants the ball in his hands.
Spoelstra continued:
“Goran and Dwyane, not only are they playing much better with each other – which, that takes time because they both are aggressive ball-dominant players – but they enjoy each other. They enjoy when the other guy is able to be aggressive.
They want each other to be able to play their games and it's getting better. Their lockers are right next to each other. I love seeing their interactions.”
There has been silence after Miami's Game 4 win, and Coach Spo was correct. The biggest stories come out after loses, as some try to find ways to explain why or how they happen in the sports world.
The series between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat is tied 2-2. Game 5 starts Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
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